Astronomical Tower and Klementinum Baroque Library
One of the landmarks of the former Jesuit college is the Astronomical Tower, situated in the centre of the Klementinum (Clementinum) courtyards. The height of the tower from the base to the top is 68 metres, the circular viewing balcony at 52 metres can be reached by climbing 172 steps. The top of the tower, visible from afar, is adorned with a lead statue of Atlas carrying a celestial sphere on his shoulders. Around 1750, an important phase of astronomical and climatic measurements and observations began here.
You can also find one of the most beautiful Baroque libraries in the world in the Klementinum complex. The library hall with its large, historically valuable globes and beautiful fresco decorations by Josef Hiebel on the themes of science and art was completed in 1727. The library collection contains over 27,000 volumes of mostly foreign-language theological literature.
How to get there:
- Accessibility by public transport:
metro A (green line) - Staroměstská station
trams Nos. 2, 17, 18, 22, 23 - Karlovy lázně stop
- Nearest car parking:
Mariánské Square or Parking Rudolfinum, Alšovo nábreží 12, Prague 1
There are two entrances:
- a) one entrance leads from Mariánské Square (náměstí)
b) second entrance is situated in Karlova street, right next to the "Česká restaurace" restaurant